Top players in the national camp at Pune, in preparation for the upcoming hockey World Cup, didn’t budge an inch from their earlier stand which forced officials of the Hockey India, to announce 48-hour of ultimatum to return back to train or face disciplinary action.
According to players, they will only go for practice if their demands are fulfilled. Or if Hockey India doesn’t have adequate funds at the moment, they should at least give an assurance that the money due will be given in the near future.

“We will not give up,” was all one of the players said from Pune, adding there are no takers for mere dialogue, we want something concrete.
Players were also of the view, that if officials of the Hockey India want to sort out the issue, they should at least give the players something black and white, so that it can be discussed with new office-bearer who resume office after the February 7, election. If the current incumbent do not have funds, we should have something in black and white. Otherwise the issue will be buried later on,” the players said in unison.

Contrary to players views, Hockey India, verbal assurance didn’t paid off today, which forced them to issue 48-hour of time to the agitate players to resume training. Or face disciplinary action.

Going by the mood of the players, it seems, they might not come to training even after deadline of 48 hours.

Meanwhile, in the Capital, the Union Sports Minister MS Gill also issued a statement: :

1. I have watched with concern, the standoff between Hockey India and the National Team, over issues of payment etc. The Sports Authority of India have been in close touch with the situation.

2. I have noted the grievances of the players, as projected, through the Press.

3. I am also aware, that since the elected Indian Hockey Federation was removed last year, the new Hockey India, is in the process of being formed. The current Committee is of an Ad-hoc nature. The election process for Hockey India, under the guidance of the Ministry’s Observer and the FIH is in process, and will be completed on the 7th February 2010, when a regular management, with a regular tenure, will assume responsibility.

4. In this situation, I am of the view, that an immediate long term solution is not possible. The duty of all players is to continue training, and be ready to play the first match of the World Cup, on the 28th of February 2010, against Pakistan. The new hockey stadium, which I inspected today, will be the best Hockey Stadium in the world. The players must train, and put in their best, and I expect good results.

5. After the Tournament, the Ministry of Sports, will be in dialogue, with the new elected management of Hockey India, to find satisfactory solutions to all issues, raised by the Players. I wish to appeal to the players, to immediately join training, and continue so, with full heart, till the tournament, and focus to win it. I am clear, that after the Tournament, I will do everything possible, to give the players a fair deal. Everyone knows in the country, that it is my objective, to lift Indian Hockey to the glorious level, it has had in the past.